Excessive drooling in Great Danes can become a frustrating challenge for many owners, especially when it interferes with daily interactions or damages furniture. While drooling is a natural process for dogs, particularly those with loose jowls like Great Danes, it can sometimes signal discomfort or a health problem. Identifying the cause behind this excessive salivation is key before attempting any control methods—and that’s exactly what I’m here to help you with. Let’s dive into practical strategies to manage and reduce drooling, ensuring both your Great Dane and your home stay clean and comfortable.
Understanding Why Your Great Dane Drools So Much
Before exploring how to stop a Great Dane from drooling, it’s essential to first acknowledge why this breed tends to produce more saliva than others. Great Danes have loose, pendulous lips and jowls that naturally collect and release saliva, contributing to frequent drooling. Beyond anatomy, several factors can amplify drooling:
- 🍖 Anticipation of food: Like us, dogs start producing saliva when they sense tasty treats or meals around.
- ⛔ Foreign objects in the mouth: Stuck sticks, stones, or toys can irritate gums and spur saliva production.
- 🦷 Dental problems: Inflamed gums, tartar buildup, or broken teeth can cause excessive drooling and pain.
- ☀️ Heatstroke or overheating: Excess panting and drooling might indicate your dog is too hot and in distress.
- ⚠️ Exposure to toxins: Ingesting poisonous plants or caustic substances leads to drooling as a reaction.
- 😰 Stress or motion sickness: Anxiety and car rides often cause increased salivation.
How Your Great Dane’s Mouth Structure Affects Drooling
The physical shape of your dog’s lips and mouth plays a vital role. With the large, floppy jowls of Great Danes, saliva is less contained and tends to drip. Unfortunately, this is genetic and not something you can alter but rather manage. Understanding this will help set realistic expectations as you try to reduce drooling.
| 🐾 Breed Traits | 👄 Lip Structure | 💧 Drooling Level |
|---|---|---|
| Great Dane | Loose, pendulous jowls | High |
| Bulldog | Loose lower lips | High |
| Labrador Retriever | Tight lips | Low |
Common Causes of Excessive Drooling in Great Danes and How to Address Them
Each case of drooling can tell a story about your dog’s health and environment. Identifying the cause helps you apply the right solution:
- 🍽️ Food anticipation: Treat your dog’s excitement by feeding on schedule and using slow feeders from Chewy or PetSmart to moderate « drool time. »
- 🦴 Oral irritants or objects: Always inspect toys like KONG or Nylabone to ensure they are intact and safe to avoid mouth injuries.
- 🦷 Dental issues: Maintain oral hygiene by brushing teeth with dog-specific toothpaste and scheduling veterinary dental cleanings; products like Nature’s Miracle can assist in cleaning around gums.
- 🚗 Motion sickness: Feed your Dane a few hours before trips and use calming treats such as Zuke’s to reduce nausea drool.
- 💧 Heat management: Provide constant access to fresh water using pet fountains from Petco or Chewy to prevent heat exhaustion.
Pay close attention to sudden changes in drooling patterns, as they often indicate underlying health issues requiring veterinary attention. If your dog suddenly shows reluctance to eat or pain signs, read more about it here: Why Is My Great Dane Not Eating?
| 🔍 Cause | 🩺 Signs | 💡 Action |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Object | Mouth pawing, swelling, pain | Check and remove safely or seek veterinary care immediately |
| Dental Disease | Bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth | Schedule vet dental exam and start brushing routine |
| Heatstroke | Lethargy, weakness, excessive panting | Cool dog immediately and consult vet |
| Poison Exposure | Vomiting, drooling, distress | Emergency vet visit |
Natural Remedies to Help Reduce Excessive Drooling 🐕
I’ve found a few natural methods particularly effective, especially when drooling stems from minor digestive upset or stress:
- 🌿 Ginger: Acts as a natural anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory agent—available as a tincture or in dog-safe treats.
- 🍵 Herbal tea rinses: Using chamomile tea can soothe mouth inflammation; follow with a gentle wipe to clear excess moisture.
- 🥥 Coconut oil: Applied sparingly on gums, it offers antibacterial properties that support oral health.
- 🪥 Consistent tooth brushing: Reduces gum disease which exacerbates drooling.
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any herbal treatments to ensure they’re safe for your Great Dane’s specific health.
| 🌱 Remedy | ✨ Benefit | ⚠️ Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger | Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory | Check dosage; avoid if dog has blood clotting issues |
| Chamomile Tea | Soothes inflammation | Use only cooled; avoid if allergic |
| Coconut Oil | Antibacterial, promotes healing | Use moderately; excess causes diarrhea |
Practical Tips for Living Comfortably With a Drooling Great Dane
Since it’s sometimes impossible to eliminate drooling fully, here’s how you can adapt your home and habits:
- 🧣 Use drool rags or bandanas: Keep absorbent materials handy to wipe your dog’s chin and jowls regularly.
- 🛋️ Protect furniture: Cover sofas and car seats with pet blankets or specialized furniture protectors.
- 🎾 Provide safe chew toys: KONG and Nylabone toys help focus drooling energy and reduce boredom-induced saliva.
- 🚰 Maintain hydration: Always have fresh, clean water available — consider a circulating pet fountain.
- 🦷 Routine dental care: Use Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin products formulated for dental health.
| 🏠 Living Tip | 👍 Benefit | 🛒 Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|
| Bandanas and drool rags | Reduce mess and keep dog clean | BarkBox accessories |
| Furniture protectors | Protects home and vehicle surfaces | Pet-specific waterproof covers |
| Chew toys | Stress relief, dental health | KONG, Nylabone |
| Water fountains | Ensures hydration, prevents heatstroke | Petco, Chewy pet fountains |
FAQ: Managing Great Dane Drooling Effectively
- ❓ Is drooling normal for Great Danes?
Yes, it is a breed trait due to their loose lips, but sudden changes should be investigated. - ❓ Can dental care reduce drooling?
Absolutely. Healthy teeth and gums reduce inflammation and pain that increase drooling. - ❓ When should I take my Great Dane to the vet for drooling?
If drooling is excessive, accompanied by bad breath, bleeding, lethargy, or refusal to eat, consult your vet immediately. - ❓ Are there any safe home remedies to minimize drooling?
Yes, ginger and chamomile tea rinses, along with coconut oil, can soothe mild causes of excessive drooling. - ❓ How can I protect my home from drool?
Use drool rags, bandanas, furniture protectors, and regular cleaning to maintain your space.
